We love our meat in Austin, and while we're famous for the stuff that comes from the pit (check out our guide to the best BBQ in Austin if that's your thing), our Austin steakhouses are some of the finest odes to the cow in Texas. Rib eyes, filet mignon, tomahawk, sirloin, NY strip and wagyu hold sway over many a menu in town and we wouldn’t have it any other way—getting a taste of some of that action should be near the top of your list of things to do in Austin. Whether you’re looking for charred, crusted, topped, smothered, slathered, buttered or blue, there’s an Austin steakhouse willing to oblige your deepest carnivorous desires. And of course, a set of great bars in Austin to wash it all down at once you're done. Bib up, and get eating.

Best Austin steakhouses

Chicon isn't a steakhouse per se, but you'd be wise to attend their Sunday steak nights (5-10pm), when a 12-ounce 44 Farms ribeye goes for $28. Sides include creamy potato soubise, sweet potato puree and grilled avocado, while a carefully curated list of wines and cocktails is available to end your weekend on a boozy note. Coming with a date on another night? Ask for the t-bone to share, a hefty 36-ounce cut that comes with onion rings, potato soubise, chimichurri, burnt onion créme fraîche, red wine butter and grilled green vegetables.

Bob’s Steak and Chop House originated in Dallas in the ’90s and is a classic example of the breed. They’re selecting their steak from the top 2 percent of beef and claim to have the best you’ll find. This is the opposite of your small plates spot—hearty portions of beef, pork and veal, all things served with baked or mashed or smashed potatoes. Plus there’s a brownie sundae crème brûlée. There’s a seafood selection and a pretty hefty salad menu if you want to feel good about yourself. Plus, they offer event services as well with private dining areas and a rooftop sky lounge in the heart of downtown Austin.

Though not local, III Forks has a special place in our heart. Their menu boasts 13 (count ’em!) steaks. The spot is a favorite for date nights or business meetings; all dark woods and flickering candles, it’s a perfect spot to cozy up or do a deal. Steaks are served charred with a salt-and-pepper crust. You’re also offered a choice of “butters and crowns.” May we recommend the King’s Butter? Black truffles, garlic, honey and foie gras. Swoon. Yes, there are vegetarian options and items for lighter eaters but for our money, you kick it off with a hickory smoke margarita, double down on some lobster mac and cheese and then get to the good stuff.

Houston-based award-winning Truluck’s has been a staple of the surf-and-turf set in Austin since the ’90s. With locations in the arboretum and downtown, you’re never too far from their glorious Dynamite Filet, a 7-ounce all-natural filet topped with blue crab, rock shrimp and Maine lobster in a sriracha cream sauce. They’ve got stand-alone steaks as well, of course. Prime bone-in filets, rib eyes and a 16-ounce New York Strip. Break up your steak by adding a fresh crab claw platter or a South African lobster tail—the “Rolls-Royce of lobster.” A gluten-free menu is available and is equally decadent. Their happy hour is a darn good way to ease into all that eating.